Album Review: Mdou Moctar - 'Afrique Victime'

Afrique Victime introduces itself with Mdou Moctar’s signature guitar sound but as the song builds his riffs get wilder, looser, more psychedelic and joining forces with traditional rhythms and driving rock influences the opening track Chismiten seemingly explodes out of control with a joyful vibe that just feels good. 

Reportedly inspired by Eddie Van Halen while teaching himself how to play, Moctar avoids the heavy aggression of so much western rock, showcasing his ample skills with a playful but intense approach to his riffs. It makes so much sense that Moctar took the lead role on the film Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai, a remake of Prince’s Purple Rain, as his charismatic guitar playing comes wrapped in a fug of purple haze that recalls not only Prince but also Hendrix. 

Seemingly at odds with the overall joyful sound of this album is the title Afrique Victime which hints darker lyrical content.Through his music Moctar makes it clear that despite any difficulties and troubles he has faced, he is here to celebrate and enjoy life. This album is designed to sweep us up in a gloriously uplifting moment of joy and happiness. There is spontaneous, almost live feel about Moctar’s playing on this album that suggests these tunes would thrive in a communal shared live setting. Something we can only dream about for the moment but this album is perfect for sound tracking the campfires of our individual bubbles. 

Labels like Saharan rock or desert blues may feel unnecessarily hipster but the music coming from this part of the world is brought to us by hugely talented players. Like Afrobeat before, it takes western influence and combines local African style to produce a sound that is irresistible. 

In this context, Moctar’s music feels fresher than ever and is genuinely innovative. Like some many established ‘underground’ artists signing to Matador before him, Moctar plays like he has something to prove on Afrique Victime and in doing so delivers a what should be a crossover moment.

Find out more about Mdou Moctar here.